FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
US Sailing Announces Nominees for 2024 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year
BRISTOL, R.I. (December 16, 2024) – US Sailing, the national governing body for the sport, is pleased to announce nominees for the 2024 US Sailing Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year, widely acknowledged as the premier individual sailing honors in the nation. Sailors who are United States citizens and have demonstrated on-the-water excellence at national and international events bringing global recognition to sailing in the United States in the calendar year, are encouraged to apply.
Nominations close Wednesday, December 18. To nominate for Yachtsman of the Year, click HERE. To nominate for Yachtswoman of the Year, click HERE
2024 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Nominees
- Chris Poole
- Travis Odenbach
- Ian Barrows and Hans Henken
- Jeremy Wilmot
- Harry Melges IV
- Ford McCann
- Makani Andrews
- Conner Blouin
- Johnny Heineken
- Howard Hamlin
- Justin Callahan
- Austin Sperry
- David Starck
2024 Yachtswoman of the Year Nominees
- Chelsea Simms
- Erika Reineke
- Fiona Wylde
- Cole Brauer
- Charlotte Rose
- Catherine Chimney
- Monica Morgan
- Annie Sitzmann and Molly Bonham
- Isabella Mendoza Cabezas
- Evelyn Hull
- Hannah Swett
- Paris Henken
Established in 1961 by US Sailing and in partnership with Rolex since 1980, US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year award recognizes the individual male and female American sailors who have demonstrated on-the-water excellence at international and national events, bringing global recognition to sailing in the United States. Previous winners include world champions, offshore record holders, America’s Cup winners, and more.
“The strength of the 2024 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year nominee classes is a testament to the dedication, talent, and passion that drives our sport forward in America,” says Henry Brauer, President, US Sailing. “These sailors have shown extraordinary commitment to excellence, and we deeply appreciate the sailing community for recognizing and nominating them. Their achievements inspire us all and demonstrate the vitality of sailing across the country.”
New this year, US Sailing opened the nomination period in the spring, instead of the fall as in past years. This decision was made to enable a larger nomination pool and acknowledge the year-round participation of the sport.
Additionally, US Sailing has published its Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year selection process, which can be found HERE.
Following closure of the nomination period, US Sailing’s Yachtsman and Yachtswoman nominating committee, approved by the Board of Directors, will select three finalists for both the Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Award based on the merits of the nominees. The finalists will be posted to a ballot and presented to voting groups of past award winners and sailing media journalists who will vote for the winners. Winners will be announced in a ceremony in February 2025 at US Sailing’s Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, California. Details to be announced.
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About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), certified by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States, is dedicated to leading, advancing, supporting, and ensuring integrity in sailing at every level. Founded in 1897, US Sailing, now serving over 35,000 members as well as over 1,500 yacht clubs and sailing centers, offers training and certifications for sailors, instructors, and race officials, oversees national championships, manages offshore ratings, conducts regional and national events, and spearheads initiatives to increase accessibility. US Sailing also leads the training and development of the US Sailing Team for the Olympic Games and high-performance international competitions, providing comprehensive financial, logistical, coaching, technical, fitness, marketing, and communications support, as well as managing the Team USA athlete selection procedures for the Olympic Games. More at www.ussailing.org.